About Highline
Since 1961, Highline has been dedicated to meeting the needs of our community by offering over 100 program options that align with the careers in demand in our area. As our area has evolved over the years, our classes and programs have also evolved to meet the changing needs.
Highline College sits on ancestral lands of the Muckleshoot, Puyallup and many other Coast Salish tribes who made their homes on these lands and along these waters. Learn more about our Land Acknowledgment.
Highline College Accreditation
Highline College is accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities, an institutional accrediting body recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation and the secretary of the United States Department of Education.
Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees is a five-member board that is appointed by the Governor of the State of Washington and confirmed by the Washington State Senate. The role of the Board is to oversee all operations of the College.
Mission Statement
As a South King County college striving for social justice, Highline College partners with global students as they envision, plan and achieve their educational and professional goals. Read more about the Mission Statement.
Strategic Goals
Strategic Framework for Equitable Student Success
1. ACCESS Increase equitable and representative access to postsecondary educational and career opportunities that lead to social and economic mobility in Highline’s service area
2. LEARNING Increase equitable learning, retention, completion and transfer rates, and improve labor market outcomes through the use of evidence-based innovation and high-impact practices in and out of the classroom.
3. COMMUNITY Increase breadth and depths of partnerships with K-12, other postsecondary institutions, community-based organizations, employers and government that align with Highline’s strategic priorities and contribute to economic and social vibrancy of communities it serves.
4. CULTURE AND CAPACITY Create capacity for meaningful strategic planning and institutional transformation through intentional development of employees, facilities, and systems that support student success and close equity gaps.
The college historically used Core Themes, up through the Year 7 report in 2020. We now use Strategic Goals for planning and assessment. For more information, please visit the Accreditation website.
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Highline College is one of Washington State’s 34 community and technical colleges. Highline is recognized by the American Association of Community Colleges, the Chronicle of Higher Education and NW Jobs as one of the best places to work in the nation. Highline's main campus is located on an 80-acre tree-filled site in the Pacific Northwest, 20 minutes south of downtown Seattle. Perched on a hill in Des Moines, Washington, the main campus overlooks the beautiful Puget Sound and Olympic Mountains.
Learn more about employment at Highline
Highline College Athletics: Home of the Thunderbirds!
The Highline College Athletics Department is a member of the Northwest Athletics Conference and consists of nine sports: Men’s and Women’s Basketball; Men’s and Women’s Soccer; Men’s Wrestling; Women’s Volleyball; Women’s Tennis; Women’s Fastpitch; and Women’s Golf.
